Brussels, 19/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 September 2008, EU immigration ministers are expected to agree in principle on the idea of an EU 'blue card' to attract highly qualified immigrants from outside the EU. The draft directive on the blue card, unveiled by the European Commission in October 2007, is expected to be unanimously adopted by Member States. The European Parliament is only consulted on the issue (see EUROPE 9711). The main area on which EU Permanent Representatives managed to strike a compromise on Wednesday 17 September 2008 is the salary criterion for people wishing to emigrate to the EU. The delegations agreed that pay of at least one and a half the average gross pay should be stipulated, with Member States having the option of reducing this to 1.2 times. (B.C.)